What medium-size car should I buy?

Chris needs help sorting the mid-sized wheat from the chaff.

24 October 2013Cameron McGavin

The dilemma

Chris is ready to move on from his Holden VY Commodore but is finding it hard to choose between Honda?s Accord, Mazda?s 6, Subaru?s Liberty, Suzuki?s Kizashi and VW?s Jetta. He?s the kind of guy who likes to really ?drive? a car but he?d also like something that?s relaxed when he?s around town.

The budget

About $35,000

The shortlist

We can immediately offer some clarity for Chris here ? the 6 would be our first choice if we were after a mid-sized car. Simply put, it?s more economical, nicer to drive and more contemporary than his other picks.

What could tempt us away from the Mazda? Well, there is one mid-sizer that slots nicely into the gap between it and the Accord, Liberty, Kizashi and Jetta. You couldn?t say it was better but it?s close enough that some of its pertinent attractions could swing the vote.

As for our final entrant, well, it?s actually not a direct competitor to the models on Chris? shortlist. However, its increasingly competitive value and the growth of most mid-sizers make this is a moot point ? for a lot of intents and purposes, and especially if you?re a keen driver, it?s a genuine alternative.

2011-on Ford Mondeo Ecoboost, from $20,990*

This Ford has been around since 2007 and has the odd wrinkle, from it?s the old-fashioned cabin (it?s dark and dreary) to its lack of some modern must haves (such as a reversing camera and touch-screen stereo).

In most ways, though, it?s still fighting fit. It?s spacious, safe, comfortable, an accomplished drive and the 149kW 2.0-litre Ecoboost turbo engine ? the best of the available choices for the keen driver ? is punchy, frugal and refined. Ford?s seven-year/105,000km capped-servicing regime adds to its appeal.

Of course, Chris might also have to forgo buying new as the cheapest model with this engine (the Zetec) starts at $37,740. But with Ford doing sharp deals on new Mondeos right now and spanky low-kay Titanium Ecoboosts kicking around used-car lots for less than $35k, it?s not something to fret about.

Holden Commodore Evoke, from $34,990

We wouldn?t be fronting this Holden to someone seeking market-leading economy but Chris says nothing of such concerns. In any case this Commodore is much more frugal than his VY and offers stout competition for the other cars here.

The cabin, for one, is not only spacious but nicely furnished and up to date, with one of the best touch-screen setups around. And while far from the sportiest model it?s a properly good drive ? fun without being at all uncomfortable, while the 185kW 3.0-litre V6 delivers strong, refined performance.

The Evoke also deserves a pat on the back for having standard toys like a reversing camera and auto-parking system. A competitively priced three-year/60,000km capped-servicing regime is another plus.

Mazda 6 Sport, from $33,460

This Mazda delivers large-car space and comfort inside ? no surprise, really, when it?s just 5cm shorter and 6m narrower than the Holden.

The 6, though, is a fair bit lighter and its 138kW 2.5-litre petrol four more frugal, with a stop/start system to save even more fuel around town. It?s an adept, highly enjoyable drive with plenty of gear (including sat nav and a reversing camera), solid safety, lovely presentation and spotless quality.

The latter is certainly welcome in light of the Mazda being the only car here not covered by a capped-price servicing plan. Drivers who like to ride a bountiful wave of low-rev response might have some quibbles about performance in this company.

Drive recommends

We wouldn?t count out the Mondeo if we preferred its gutsy turbo response or absolutely had to have access to capped-price servicing.

But the 6 is more economical, better looking, better value, has more technology and none of the Ford?s specification oversights. If it leaves the odd gap in its defence for rivals to capitalise on, it?s still the pick of the mid-sized pack.

Does that make it better than the Commodore? Rationally, we?d have to say yes ? it costs a little less, drinks a lot less, has a bit more kit and is similarly accommodating and great to drive ? but that shouldn?t imply that the Holden is outclassed. For some its combination of value, spaciousness, effortless performance, excellent driving credentials and contemporary user-friendliness and civility will be just the ticket.

* Values are estimates provided by Glass?s Guide based on an example averaging up to 20,000km per annum and in a well-maintained condition relevant to its age

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